H2uh0

Create your own radio station online based on your musical tastes. Pop in a band that you like and Pandora will find similar artists and play their music for you for free! Enjoy the site now as I have seen similar sites come and go. Maybe this one will last. Check it here.

'Shark Park," a spot miles offshore Santa Barbara County, looked deceptively placid.

On the deck of the 75-foot Condor Express, 10 seasoned surfers, six photographers, two videographers, two writers, a medic and a water rescue specialist watched earlier this month to see if it was big enough to break. There was a palpable sense that maybe they'd be out of luck.
But peering out over the surface of the sea as it rippled slightly like a rustling teal blanket in the early morning light, they focused on a set of waves racing toward the submerged rock reef, wondering if it would break.
Pointing at one wave as it bunched up on the reef, Dan Curry, a 46-year-old, barrel-chested, Carmel-baseed big-wave surfer and personal trainer, muttered, "There it is."
The wave warped ominously, jacking up as high as a four-story building half a city block long before the wall of water curved over, exploding in a thundering cavernous barrel. Sounding like a jet engine on overdrive, the explosion of white water sent a concussion of rippling "wavelets" as big as six feet into the channel.
Mr. Curry and the other surfers smiled.

They knew as the tide dropped, the waves would get even better, bigger and hollow.
With sea lions swirling through the clear water, the surfers on the Condor scurried to get into their wetsuits, beginning what would turn out to be a full day of epic surf in perfect conditions on a wave that had just been discovered. The Feb. 7 expedition to Shark Park -- given the ominous name because of its proximity to a spot where a sea urchin diver was killed by a Great White several years ago -- was part of a six-year effort by Montecito-based photographer and filmmaker Greg Huglin.
Since 2000 Mr. Huglin -- known to many as "Huggie" -- has been scouting distant offshore locales looking for the next Peahi or Mavericks or Cortes Banks. He was looking for a spot that can hold massive waves, possibly even the elusive crown jewel of this emerging extreme sport -- "the 100-foot wave."
In the last few years, big-wave surfing has made quantum leaps, as surfers began to use Jet Skis and Waverunners to tow themselves into ever bigger waves, double and triple the size of anything ridden before. Waves in excess of 50 feet cannot be paddled into, and tow-in surfing has become the next frontier for big-wave riders.

Read more here.

With a top speed of 33 mph, these cats can fly. Needless to say, the Tornado is a very fast cat! For the vid, click here.

Checkout the most famous photos ever snapped. Click away.

The Orange Project trimaran capsized last night at 0024 (French time) in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 600 miles north-west of the Azores. At 0945 this morning, the Russian tanker Okhta Bridge, which was making progress towards Stève after having received the distress signal emitted by the Norfolk (USA) MRCC. The rescue operation has been a tricky one, and Stève was in a state of shock, but he's now safe and sound, en route towards the South of England where he should step ashore on 13 November. Having survived his capsize but also a particularly hazardous rescue operation, Ravussin said: "I've had three lives today".

The usually lively and enthusiast Swiss skipper is clearly still in shock. His trimaran, Orange Project, flipped over last night in heavy conditions - 35 knots of wind and short but steep waves. After a forced technical pit stop in the Azores last week, he was free from any result-related pressure, and was as he confessed sailing conservatively, with two reefs in the main and the Solent, ballasts filled in order to help the boat remain flat. While he was on the foredeck, busy tying up his gennaker to the net, the autopilot suddenly failed and the trimaran started luffing… Stève ran to the cockpit, but another pilot failure made the boat bear away violently this time! Nose-diving was unavoidable, the transoms were soon up in the air, the masthead came crashing into the sea…

"The protection structure installed by Lalou Roucayrol (previous skipper of the boat, then named Banque Populaire) around the helmsman seat saved my life, Stève says. When the boat pitch-poled, I hung on to it, not knowing which way it would come down. The mast resistance prevented the total capsize for a moment, but eventually the boat ended up upside down. I found myself under the net. I was wearing my survival gear, which I had put on to shelter from the spray. I'm not a good swimmer, and I had to fight to keep my head out of the water. I saw my own death a first time… The crossbeam was on my back, and the swell, lifting the boat up, allowed me to breathe."

Stève found enough strength to climb up on the upturned boat. He then was able to turn his distress beacon on, and the signal was caught by the Maritime Rescue Center Control of Norfolk, USA. Norfolk then contacted the Route du Rhum organisers, and alerted the ships that were sailing in the area. The Okhta Bridge tanker, which was the closest, changed course and came to the rescue. Ironically enough, this ship belongs to the Sovcomflot company, which was Stève's sponsor last year in the Oops Cup.

Seeing the massive silhouette of a tanker getting dangerously closer surely is a scary experience… "The boat came 5 metres away from me," Stève recounts. I was tangled up in a mess of ropes, and I did not understand how the crew had planned to get me out of this trap. They tried to throw lines at me from the bow - I was right under it, and it culminated at 20 metres above the sea! I made myself a kind of harness, and managed to catch their rope. It was connected to an automatic winch, and when the crew thought I was properly tied, they turned the winch on, and I was dragged along the hull. I had kept with me a pair of scissors, which I used to cut all the ropes that were still tying me to the trimaran… I screamed like never before, I thought my end was near…"

Stève is now safe and sound, in the hands of the Russian crew. "They're incredibly kind and thoughtful. Physically, I'm fine. Mentally, I feel as if I've fired all my rounds, there's not much left…"

The boat is now drifting far away from inhabited lands. The beacon still sends a signal, giving its position to the maritime authorities. For the moment, recovering what will soon be nothing but a wreck is out of the question. "I wanted this Route du Rhum, I was prepared for it, and so was my whole team. It turned into a nightmare", adds Stève.

Orange, Stève's sponsor sent this message earlier today: "We're relieved to know that Stève is alive and well aboard the Russsian tanker that came to his rescue this morning. It's been a cruel Route du Rhum for him, we'd like to share his disappointment and salute his courage. The whole Orange staff wishes to thank him for the determination and moral qualities he displayed during this race."

Astronomy buffs in Oregon, California and Washington will be treated to a cosmic event this weekend courtesy of the annual Leonid Meteor Shower.

“Just go out there and take a look, even a minute of two,” said Jim Todd, planetarium manager with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

He added that the best time to view the meteor shower will be on Saturday night between 8:30 and midnight. Observers should look toward the northeast part of the sky.

Scientists said the annual Leonid Meteor Shower happens because the Earth passes through a debris field left behind from the comet Swift-Tuttle.

It's a thrice weekly info letter about sailing and related stuff that is sent to your email box from Latitude 38. The last few weeks we have gotten lots of updates on the Mexico cruisers rally called the Baja Haha. It willl keep you up to date on happenings on the west coast and all over the world. Sign up at the bottom of the page here.

How many of you have ever been tubed on a surfboard by a beautiful wave? I can tell you that it is one of the most perfect feelings in the world. My favorite tube ride was at Zuma beach in Malibu. I was on a roadtrip and the surf was up. Went out and came down the face and the wave came over me in perfect fashion. I was in! It lasted for only a few seconds and a friend was able to capture it on film. Here is a video that takes you deep in the tube from a surfer's perspective. Check it here.

After 3,450 nautical miles, Anne Quéméré crossed the Ile de Ouessant, west of her native Brittany at 6:45 pm (local timeon) on Sunday August 13, completing her 55 day Kite crossing of the North Atlantic.

Heavy seas on arrival

Due to heavy sea going cargo ships in the area, Anne home crew opted to have her towed in.

“At dawn, weather conditions became extremely difficult,” said the two time ocean rower upon crossing the finish line. “North-East wind with 30 knot squalls, accompanied by heavy seas and strong currents close to the “Ile de Ouessant” increased the safety risks,” said Anne’s home crew.

“The Connétable 2006 Challenge was a true achievement in all fields,” they added.

Tougher than paddling

Despite being slowed by long periods of calm during the 55 day crossing, the Kites worked well and provided the ocean explorers with a new challenge. Anne admitted, however, that this challenge had been more difficult than her previous two expeditions on the Southern Atlantic in 2003 and the Northern Atlantic in 2004, where she rowed the entire distance.

Two time ocean rower Anne Quéméré (she’s rowed the Atlantic both ways solo) began her crossing on June 18th, 2006. Her goal was to Kite the North Atlantic solo, from Atlantic Highlands (near New York) to France. Anne crossed starting line of Ambrose Light in Lower New York Bay, attempting to cross the North-Atlantic on a small 5 meter vessel pulled along by Kites of various sizes. She completed the crossing solo, without any support.

According to Anne’s technical team, the biggest obstacle in front of her, apart from the usual cargo ships and whales off the coast of New-York, was Hurricane season, which began June 1. According to the NOAA, the 2006 north Atlantic hurricane season is going to be an active one. Experts predict 13 to 16 named storms, with eight to 10 becoming hurricanes, of which four to six could become 'major' hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher.

Born in Brittany, France, Anne Quéméré grew up by the sea. She moved to the US in the early 1990’s, living in Louisiana and New York before going back to her native Brittany in 2001 where she practices sailing and rowing on a traditional skiff built by her father. Anne rowed the Atlantic from East to West in 2003 and from West to East in 2004.

"Imagine, the pitch-black darkness of the Arctic winter surrounding you, the sound of drifting snow is drumming away on the sides of your shelter, as the wind howls. Outside it is -50 degrees Fahrenheit. You are hundreds of miles from any help, other than that of yourself, your roommates, and the limited resources at hand."

So begins a report that reached ExWeb about an uncoming Arctic voyage, and it continues:

"Now imagine you are in an aluminum hulled sailboat locked in sea ice, drifting towards the North Pole. This may sound like the script of an action adventure movie, but in reality it is an exciting, new initiative in Arctic research called the Tara Arctic. The head of Tara Arctic is the French businessman: Etienne Bourgois"

Wintering at 80 degrees North

On Sunday, September 3rd, the Russian icebreaker Kapitan Dranisyn was able to rendezvous with Tara, which had been detained in the small Russian coastal village of Tiksi for two weeks. The crew had been awaiting the final approval of immigration documentation and customs approval, from a labyrinth of bureaucratic governmental policies issued hundreds of miles away. On September 1st, permission was granted to leave, allowing the ship and crew to continue the trip they began on July 11, 2006 in France.

Once Tara joined the Dranitsyn, the two vessels headed towards the pack-ice. Upon their arrival to the ice, the icebreaker began to make its way North, passing through leads, fracturing ice several feet thick, and when necessary breaking through ice ridges that may have extended 30 feet into the frigid ocean waters. Tara, following close behind, was able to reach its destination of 80 degrees North latitude, well into the multi-year ice in which it will become frozen.

There are some important things man can do that instruments cannot”

The rounded and flat hull of the 116-foot Tara will allow her to remain frozen safely from the extreme pressures applied by the pack-ice for the two year exploration of the Arctic. During this time, it will drift with the moving ice some 2,800 miles, past the North Pole, through Fram Strait, along the Northeast side of Greenland.

There are many challenges to make this type of exploration a success, so one may wonder why it is necessary to send humans on such a journey. Jean-Claude Gascard explained, “If we could avoid Tara we would.” He added that all of the preparations and organization of such a trip are greater than that of using automated scientific buoys, but “There are some important things man can do that instruments cannot.”

Arctic Astronauts

Many of the specialized pieces of equipment and techniques used to study the Arctic environment require the presence of humans. For example, the instruments used to detect solar radiation use optical sensors that need to be cleaned periodically in order to function properly. The collection and analysis of water samples and most biological data one might collect are “impossible to be automated,” according to Gascard. He continued to explain that there is a need to be flexible when gathering data. If the data collected is not correlating with scientific models, then changes in the data collection may be required.

Beyond the technical challenges, Jean-Claude notes that the greatest challenge for humans is to be able to tolerate the Arctic winter, “in a very hostile environment.” In addition, the ability of an individual to be exposed to difficult situations and to be away from their family over an extended period of time is a concern. This is why Gascard compares the experience of the crew to that of astronauts.

Engineer stays full time; data made available to all scientists

The all-volunteer crew of eight males will be led by an engineer from New Zealand who is skilled in sailing and has worked in similar isolated situations in Antarctica. Two mechanics, a doctor, two science technicians, and two experienced sailors will accompany him. According to Gascard, the lead engineer wants to stay on board Tara for the full two years, while other members of the crew will be rotated in and out of the ship over time.

The Tara Arctic expedition, along with DAMOCLES, will provide scientists with a cross section of all physical and many biological parameters across the Arctic. Jean-Claude Gascard hopes that the results “will be used as a resource in Arctic science research,” and he notes that the data will not be protected, but will be available to all scientists for use in their own research.

The first winter will prove to be a long and intense experience for the crew of Tara. The ultimate success of the expedition is not only going to be dependent on the will and expertise of the crew, but of nature itself. What does the harsh environment of the Arctic winter have in store for this small group of dedicated explorers? Only time will tell.

I posted an entry back in June and the lead in was Bonehead Move Hall of Fame. I am trying to remember waht that entry was about. Can you remember? My blog provder has a limit on the amount of space I can use and the vids from Google and such are eating away at my space. If you do remember, please send me an email at fungod@gmail.com Thanks much!

This one is a fine video of nominees for some surfing awards. It's from 2004 but there is some amazing footage here. Click here.

For many sailors, winning is everything. Yes, winning is indeed the shit, but this needs to be put into perspective. Consider that most people who race sailboats are spending thousands and thousands of dollars for a $9 trophy and bragging rights at the yacht club bar. These are great but generally will not get you laid or score cool points with your non-sailing friends. Moreover, there is often a pervasive win-at-all-costs attitude that often saps the fun out of racing.


What this sport needs is an attitude adjustment. I’m not talking about plying your crew with alcohol after the race is over to apologize for being an obsessed dickhead on the course. Sailors simply need to make the FUN FACTOR a priority in their racing program. While you won’t win any races, you will have a dedicated crew, you’ll attract new sailors into the sport who would otherwise be intimidated by racing, and most likely you will get laid.


Now, the FUN FACTOR has been taken to the extreme aboard Keeldragger. Aboard Keeldragger, having fun at the back of the fleet has become a way of life. For those of you who are discouraged by your racing results or not enjoying yourselves enough, here are a few tips:


* Don’t Fret Over Your 4 Knot Shitbox. Old, slow boats are still cool.
* Recruit an Eclectic Crew. Get the craziest crew you can find. The entertainment is nonstop.
* Spend as much on crew gear as you do on new sails. Matching, custom crew shirts and pirate hats are required uniform. They inspire teamwork and really impress the girls at the waterfront Hooters.
* Break Glass In Case of Emergency. Go ahead and pop open a cold one during the race, you deserve it.
* Victory Celebration. Celebrate your victory after every race. If “victory” is defined as last place, take your crew to the yacht club bar and party like you just won the America’s Cup.
* Make Fun of Your Competition, But Laugh At Yourself First. Don’t take racing too seriously. Embrace self-deprecating humor.
* Roll the Cameras. Shitting driving and back of the fleet racing can be hilarious on video after the fact.


Have Fun!



Keeldragger

We are in the early stages of planning the ultimate sailing vacation in the BVI's. There are 8 of us and we are looking for an all inclusive crewed charter. Scuba and windsurfing are a must! We are looking at April 2008 so it's a little ways off but not that far. If you have any recommendations please send me a note. I have been dreaming of this vacation for a long time and now is the time. We are off to celebrate 50 years on this wonderful, watery planet.

What is your favorite boat name? There are some great ones out there like: Liquid Assets, Knot Yet, Isle Sea You, Loose Crew, Knot A Clew, Reel Nauti, Wet Dreams, Hot Ruddered Bum, Mast Transit, Comedy of Airs, Aquasition, Hulls Angels, Jurrasic Ark, Primordial Sloop (for a very old sailboat), Lattitude Adjustment, Sieze The Bay, Flood Insurance, Blood Sweat and Beers, and many more. For a lot more names please visit this link.

Maui is the place for windsurfing. I have sailed Kanaha a couple times and it was a beautiful thing.The following video features all the top guys including a quick shot of the living legend, Robby Naish.

Here's a nice taste of the BVI's with a little sailing, kiting and surfing adventure. For the vid, click here.

Download the little ditty for some great info and tips from a couple that has been cruising for the last 17 years. Lots of cool stuff here.

I am an avid stargazer and love learning more about our little galaxy we live in. I have two peak experiences under the night sky. One was in Northern BC under the Northern Lights with an amazing array of colors and energy shapes. The other was in Maui on top of an ancient volcano. The Leonids Meteor Shower was at its peak and I was there to observe 50 meteors in about an hour. That was fun! I stumbled upon a site from NASA that has some very cool photos of comets, galaxies and all sorts of wierd stuff in space. Click around for some wonderful space photos and then bow your head and say "I love the internet!". Space pics here.

Has it been a while since you have taken an exotic trip to a faraway land? Longing for a roadtrip to a cool spot? Today you can take that journey from the arm of your chair by clicking below. Outside Magazine has some great slide shows that will take you to Borneo, the Galapagos, or climbing El Capitan in Yosemite. By gosh, you could spend all day here dreaming about a future sojourn! So kick back with your venti, non-fat half-caff. mocha soy pumpkin frappacino with three espresso shots and two Splendas (hold the whipped cream) and enjoy!
For all the slideshows, click here.